Opened in 2007 by restaurateur Javed Khan, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi has been bringing the flavours, spice and soul of India to Newtown for more than 18 years – an incredible feat in the world of Sydney hospitality. Khan says he is just as excited today as he was when he first opened.
There are lots of things to like about this sun-lit restaurant on Erskineville Road, including its modern takes on traditional family recipes. Take the goat aloo, for example. Slow-cooked tender goat comes with a fragrant and aromatic curry that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s a dish Khan remembers his late mother making for his eight siblings and himself growing up, and it's one he now serves to his guests with pride.
The excellent butter chicken is another reason to swing on down. Not as sickly sweet as some you may find elsewhere, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi’s version sees tandoor-roasted thigh fillets bathed in a creamy, tomatoey sauce flavoured with fenugreek leaves and topped with melted Pepe Saya butter.
There’s a strong selection of vegetarian and vegan options, and a set menu for $60 per person (minimum four guests).
Bring a big group and get stuck into Delhi 'O' Delhi’s signature lamb dish, featuring a whole leg of lamb infused with cinnamon and marinated in spices for a day. It’s then slow-cooked in a clay oven so it’s fall-apart tender and big on flavour (you do need to give the team 48 hours’ notice though).
The dining room is both elegant and old-school, with white tablecloths, jet-black furniture and statement lights. The outside courtyard is a great place to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into a comforting palak paneer – or, if you can handle spice, go for the beef chutney. Diced braised beef with mint, green chillies and fresh ginger is sure to get your sinuses going.
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